A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Livingstone family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 4326 · Britain, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cinquefoilHope and joy
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 d'arg. à trois quintefeuilles de gu., encloses dans un double trècheur fleur. et c.-fleur. de sin. (Livingstone); aux 2 et 3 de sa. à la bande d'or, acc. de six bill. du même, rangées en orle (Callendar). Sur le tout d'azur à un arbre d'or, iss. de la p., et à la bord. d'arg., ch. de huit quintefeuilles de gu. (Linlithgow). C.: un sauvage iss., tenant de sa main dextre une massue en pal, le bras sen. accolé d'un serpent au nat. T.: deux sauvages de carn., ceints et cour. de lierre, tenant chacun une massue d'or, posée sur son épaule. D.: SI JE PUIS.”
Britainc. 1600
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Map of Britain showing where the Livingstone arms are recorded
The Livingstone arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1600.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Britain in this period.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in Britain when the Livingstone arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Britain.
Origin & History of the Livingstone Family in Britain
The surname Livingstone originates from a place name in the Lowlands of Scotland, derived from a medieval settlement known as Levingstoun. This name was formed by combining the name of a Flemish settler named Leving with the Old English word for a farm or estate. By the early 17th century, members of the family had moved south and established a presence in Kent. This migration was part of a broader movement of Scottish families into England following the Union of the Crowns in 1603. Once settled in Kent, the family integrated into local society, often appearing in parish registers and legal documents as they pursued careers in trade and land management. Their transition from a Scottish territorial name to a recognized family line in southern England reflects the changing social landscape of Britain during the early modern period.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ar. three cinquefoils within a double tressure counterflory gu”
StirlingDunipace · Stirling, c. 1625
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Map of Scotland showing where the Livingstone arms are recorded
The Livingstone arms were recorded in Stirling, c. 1625.
Stirling guarded the crossing between the Highlands and the Lowlands and held a royal castle. Families with business at court settled nearby, and closeness to the court brought arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Scotland in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1587–1625
Reigning in Britain when the Livingstone arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Stirling.
Origin & History of the Livingstone Family in Scotland
The Livingstone family name is deeply rooted in the history of Scotland, with its origins tracing back to a Flemish settler named Leving who arrived in the twelfth century. He was granted lands in West Lothian, which eventually became known as Levingstoun, or the town of Leving. Over several generations, the family rose to prominence by serving the Scottish monarchy and holding significant positions within the royal court. By the time members of the family were firmly established in Stirling in 1625, they had become influential figures in local governance and land management. Their presence in Stirling reflects the broader trend of noble families moving into important administrative centers to oversee trade and maintain order. This transition from rural landowners to civic leaders helped the family maintain its status and influence throughout the turbulent political landscape of seventeenth-century Scotland.
Livingstone Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Leving
Old Norse personal name meaning dear or beloved.
This name
LivingstoneRefers to the estate or settlement belonging to a person named Leving.
also spelled
Livingston
Livingstoun
Livingstowne
Levinstone
Levingstone
Related arms
Livingstonsimilar arms
Baronrecorded with Livingstone, same area
Brucerecorded with Livingstone, same area
Carnegierecorded with Livingstone, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Black, George Fraser. The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History. 1946
Reaney, Percy Hide. A Dictionary of British Surnames. 1958
The National Archives, Kew. Prerogative Court of Canterbury and Related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers. 1600–1650
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cinquefoilHope and joy
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cinquefoilHope and joy
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
